Do you remember your first impression of diving? Whether you started with Discover Scuba Diving or went right into your Open Water Diver course, your dive instructor likely played a role in how you feel about scuba diving. PADI Instructors have a crucial job – preserving the industry by creating the next generation of divers.
Being an effective dive instructor requires some important qualities. Think you have what it takes? Let’s find out. In this article, we’ll discuss the top five signs you might be a great dive instructor.
#1 You Love to Dive
If you love scuba diving, never-ending bottom time, marine encounters and bubbles, why not consider a career path in the industry? Scuba instructors need lots of diving experience and must be super comfortable in the water.
Students feel what you project. If that’s fear or insecurity, they’ll sniff it out. But, if you love the the sport, your students will likely end up feeling the same way, too. And, the world definitely needs more people who want to love and protect the water.
#2 You Have Great Situational Awareness
There’s an ocean full of potential problems and frustrations that can arise when you’re working as an instructor. Problems can range from seasickness to preventing a new diver from ascending to the surface while a boat is passing overhead.
Situational awareness gives you the capability of preventing these scenarios from occurring, while also controlling the scenario from escalating any further. Performing in this manner, we maintain scuba diving as a low-risk sport. So, people with high levels of situational awareness will probably excel as dive instructors.
#3 You Love Working With/Being Around People
Diving is a very face-to-face industry, where your social skills and patience are tested daily. The ability to work with clients from all over the world, and leave them with a smile, makes an instructor stand out.
#4 You are Calm and Collected
Diving isn’t always blowing bubble rings and posing for underwater photos. As a dive instructor, your job is to be a leader. Your students are looking at you for guidance. A leader is someone who does well under pressure. Remaining cool, calm and collected during any high-stress situations is pivotal to becoming a great dive instructor.
#5 You Have a Positive Attitude
If you have a positive attitude, becoming a dive instructor suits you. The day starts early for clients who are learning how to dive. The best way to become focused and attentive, (besides a big cup of coffee) is to have someone with a smile on their face showing you the ropes. Having a positive attitude is the best way to get new divers excited and interested in the activity.
The best dive instructors know how to maintain a safe and fun environment for their divers.
Do You Have the Characteristics of a Good Dive Instructor?
We hope after reading this article, you’ll know if you’re well-suited to become a dive instructor.
If you want to find out more about becoming a dive instructor, check out our blog post on the topic. Or get started on becoming a PADI Pro today.
Featured image courtesy of Christian Hubo/Shutterstock.com.
